In uncertain times, support the front lines

“You must never so much think as whether you like it or not whether it is bearable or not; you must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it.” — Clara Barton, Founder of the American Red Cross

It is rare that all of humanity faces a new challenge at exactly the same time. But such is the moment we face now in the battle to treat victims of the coronavirus pandemic. While the vast majority of us are responding by physically distancing ourselves from others, there is an army of health care staff, law enforcement, first responders, and more who willingly put themselves in harm’s way to treat the afflicted.

While many of us are able to work remotely, focusing on needed tasks or dealing with hefty issues of business continuity, there are many among us who are struggling for basic food, shelter, and clothing. We applaud the work of those providing emergency assistance, transitional housing, food, and more. We all have a role to play in caring for our family, our neighbors, and our community.

You can help by volunteering, donating blood, delivering food, checking in on your elderly neighbors, supporting local restaurants and their furloughed workers, and more. Another way to help is to make a donation to organizations on the front lines — like The Atlanta Community Food Bank and a joint effort of The United Way of Greater Atlanta and The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

The Atlanta Community Food Bank– Addressing food insecurity is a year-round mission for ACFB. The unprecedented COVID-19 environment adds a level of complexity that can only be met with community support. ACFB is working hard to distribute food to families in the region, including 600 food distribution partners and 20+ school sites. To make a donation to ACFB, visit https://www.acfb.org/.

Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund – The United Way of Greater Atlanta is partnering with the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to provide immediate support to those most vulnerable to the economic and health-related issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic. This fund provides help with emergency assistance, health services, and additional critical needs such as childcare and food. To make a donation to this fund, visit https://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/.

No matter how small the effort or donation, know that you have a role to play. On this last day of Women’s History Month, perhaps the words of Spelman alumna Marian Wright Edelman should guide us.

“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.” – Marian Wright Edelman